Mercedes Moné is set for her first match since walking out on WWE in May of last year.
The artist formerly known as Sasha Banks sensationally quit WWE in 2021. After disagreeing with booking decisions while Women’s Tag Team Champion with Naomi the duo left the company never to return.
Her first match in nine months sees her challenge KAIRI for the IWGP Women’s Championship at NJPW Battle in the Valley in San Jose, California, on February 18th. The match came after Moné made her NJPW debut at Wrestle Kingdom 17 and attacked the champion before calling her for a title bout.
As well as Moné vs KAIRI, Battle in the Valley also features Kazuchika Okada vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship. Fred Rosser vs. Kenta for the Strong Openweight Championship and Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Clark Connors with the World Television Championship on the line.
Moné and KIARI have a long history. During their time in WWE, they were often pitted against one another on opposite teams. As Banks, she partnered with Bayley against Kairi Sane and Asuka, then known as the Kabuki Warriors in a rivalry over the women’s tag titles and the Raw Women’s Championship.
Mercedes Moné Hinted At Another Huge Match
Moné recently took to social media to share an eye-brow-raising image that hints at yet another dream match. On her Instagram stories, she posted a picture of herself and IMPACT Wrestling’s Knockouts Champion Mickie James.
Moné and James have also been in the ring together multiple times throughout their WWE careers both as friends and foes, but never in one-on-one action.
A possible singles dream match between the two doesn’t seem to be too far out of the question. Earlier this year James replied to a Tweet from Moné asking her for a fight.
At IMPACT Wrestling Hard to Kill, James became a five-time Knockouts Champion. The wrestling legend defeated Jordynne Grace in a Title Vs. Career match. Since winning the title she has entered a feud with Masha Slammovich and will defend the title against her at No Surrender on February 24th in Las Vegas.